Summary

Gunn's Superman has a short 2-hour runtime, bucking the trend of longer superhero movies.
The film includes an ensemble cast, introducing new characters like Green Lantern and Hawkgirl.
Despite its length, Superman aims to introduce the DC Universe in a distinct way, setting the stage for future projects.

The runtime for James Gunn's upcoming Superman has been revealed, and it may not be what fans expected. Gunn wrote and directed the new Superman film, which is set to kick off the cinematic world of the DC Universe that he and Peter Safran began crafting when they took control of DC's TV and movie projects. They outlined their plans for the comic book adaptations, which include the Lanterns TV series, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and the upcoming season of Peacemaker.

Superman sees David Corenswet step into the hero's tights, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, among many others. Trailers have teased the film, showing Superman battling the new creation, the Hammer of Boravia, his relationship with Lois, other characters, like Hawkgirl, and Luthor's hatred toward the hero. Gunn's take on the character also looks to introduce Superman's dog Krypto to the live-action realm, making for a distinct take. However, with everything the movie looks to pack into the Man of Steel's DC Universe introduction, the newly revealed runtime may be shorter than most expected.

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By Jake Fillery

International distributors have listed Superman's runtime, which was shared on X by DCU Superman News. It is one of the superhero's shortest outings, clocking in at 2 hours and 2 minutes. Most superhero movies, and often big tentpole releases, like Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes, have only been getting longer through the years. However, Gunn's Superman is continuing a trend in newer releases like Thunderbolts*, keeping the length to a tight 2 hours, which guarantees more showings at theaters throughout the day.

Gunn's Superman Promises To Pack A Lot Of Content Into 2 Hours

Given that Gunn's Superman is the first big film entry into the DC Universe, it has a lot to prove. The movie will set a tone for numerous characters slated to appear in other projects, like Rick Flag Sr., with Frank Grillo playing the role of a central antagonist in Peacemaker season 2, and even voicing the character in Creature Commandos. The movie also features the Justice Society, which includes Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific, showing the eclectic array of new characters to introduce.

Gunn has left the DC Universe open to unique projects that can hold their own unique place, like the planned Clayface movie, but Superman is a flagship character, with Warner Bros. Hoping to see many prosperous years of DC projects. However, with so much to pack into a short runtime, any fan would likely be concerned about underdeveloped characters, with the movie not being able to spend enough time with so many DCU debuts. Many of the details surrounding Superman are still tightly under wraps, but anticipation continues to grow as the July release draws near.

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